Cold, Sinus Infection Or Flu?

There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause a cold, the most common being the rhinovirus. While a cold can vary in intensity from mildly annoying to quite severe, it’s important to note that they are still viruses. Antibiotics will have no effect — you can treat the symptoms but just have to wait it out.

Perhaps the question asked most frequently in primary and urgent care offices across the country is, “Do I have a cold, a sinus infection or the flu?”

While your provider and local urgent care center no doubt can rule out things like the flu and strep throat in minutes with a simple swab test, determining between a cold and sinus infection is trickier — and in many cases, irrelevant. We’ll focus on those efforts here.

• Manage a fever — A fever is rare with a cold, in both adults and children. One of the best ways to distinguish a cold from a suspected case of flu is by a fever. If you or your child experiences a fever of 101 or higher for more than a day, it’s best to get a flu test just to be safe. Otherwise, acetaminophen is the preferred method for reducing fever — just be very mindful of dosing instructions, and don’t take more than one medicine at a time containing acetaminophen. Ibuprofen also can be used, but avoid aspirin and never give it to a child younger than 12.

Stop a runny nose/post-nasal drip – Your sore throat (if not a strep infection) is most likely being caused by nasal discharge dripping down your throat. The best way to dry it up is with antihistamines. Note: Antihistamines can make some people very sleepy, so plan accordingly.

Un-clog your nose — A stuffed nose is a terrible feeling, and can prevent you from sleeping for several nights in a row during a cold. Talk to your doctor or the pharmacist about the best over-the-counter decongestant choice for you, and be cautious not to overuse.

Relieve sinus pressure and pain — Nasal steroids, both over the counter and prescription, can relieve cold symptoms and seasonal allergies.

Loosen cough or mucus — If you can’t kick the cough and move the mucus out, try an expectorant to help thin the thick drainage and move it out through nose and mouth.

Reduce coughing — For many people, the cough is the worst part of a cold. Try an antitussive or another product with dextromethorphan to help suppress the cough and get some sleep.

Relieve a sore throat — Gargle with warm salty water a couple of times per day, and try throat lozenges or an analgesic at bedtime. Monitor your throat for white or yellow spots or severe/increasing pain that may indicate a strep infection.

Get some ZZZZZ’s — Your immune system needs sleep to fight back. Nighttime over-the-counter products should be used judiciously, but can provide much relief. Be sure to read labels and find products safe for you, especially if you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions, or are taking other products with similar ingredients.

One of the most confusing parts of diagnosing a cold is the multitude of symptoms. It’s important, however, to see your provider if your symptoms move beyond the basic ones listed above.